Pedro Acosta from KTM issued a cautious warning about Ducati’s performance after a challenging start for the Italian manufacturer at the 2025 MotoGP Indonesian Grand Prix in Mandalika. Despite Ducati’s struggles, Acosta urged patience and emphasized the need to give the brand time to recover.
Mixed Results for Ducati and Others in Practice Sessions
Ducati, which had dominated the Mandalika races last year, faced difficulties as new world champion Marc Marquez crashed twice and fell into Q1 for the first time. Meanwhile, Ducati’s Pecco Bagnaia struggled with his performance in 17th place, failing to replicate his strong Motegi form. Only the Gresini team’s Alex Marquez and Fermin Aldeguer were able to advance directly to Q2, representing Ducati’s best showing in the first sessions.
Aprilia currently appears to have an edge, with rider Marco Bezzecchi setting a strong pace. Pedro Acosta acknowledged that KTM is trailing behind, both Ducati and Aprilia, though he managed to finish third in practice. Acosta’s lap times were close to his qualifying performance from the previous year, despite setup issues.
Acosta’s Reflections on KTM’s Position and Ducati’s Potential
Acosta described his day as “quite ok,” noting that he is
“a step behind Ducati and one step behind Aprilia with Marco.”
He added that despite challenges with bike setup and electronics, KTM showed promising speed.
“It’s true we have to work a lot now on the bike and on the electronics side for the set-up because I was not feeling super great. But I have to be happy.”
Pedro Acosta, KTM rider
When questioned about listing Ducati as a benchmark, Acosta cautioned that Ducati’s current struggles are temporary and urged others to be patient. He recalled last year’s difficulties for Ducati, pointing out that despite setbacks, Pecco Bagnaia managed to win the sprint race on Saturday.
He reinforced Ducati’s speed and competitiveness, mentioning that two Ducati bikes made it into Q2, including the Gresini riders, and predicted a potential strong showing from Ducati’s top riders.
“Give them time. Everything is a matter of time. They suffered also last year, because if you check last year Pecco didn’t go to the Q2 and somehow he won the sprint on Saturday. We know Ducati is fast. Two Ducatis in Q2. Only Gresini, doesn’t matter, it’s a Ducati. For sure Marc and Pecco have a lot of possibilities to go there also.”
Pedro Acosta, KTM rider
Acosta also highlighted the broader competitive field, naming Aprilia and Honda alongside Ducati as key contenders, expecting a dynamic and interesting progression as the weekend continues.
“Also Aprilia, also three Hondas. There are many guys who are fast. It will be nice to see what is going on.”
Pedro Acosta, KTM rider
The Outlook for Ducati and the MotoGP Season
The initial difficulties faced by Ducati have raised questions about how quickly the team can regain its former dominance. With riders like Marc Marquez, Pecco Bagnaia, and others showing potential for recovery, the unfolding races at Mandalika will be critical. Pedro Acosta’s warning serves as a reminder that pace and results can fluctuate but that Ducati remains a force to watch throughout the MotoGP season.
